Irene "Reno" Murphy

Irene Reno Ranquet Murphy, 83, was born in Great Falls, Montana on October 29, 1929 and passed away on September 5, 2013 In Great Falls, after a brief hospitalization at Peace Hospice of Montana.Irene was preceded in death by her sister, Mae (Ranquet) Sullivan, and brothers, Bill Ranquet and Buck Ranquet, and former husband, Raymond A. Murphy.She is survived by a daughter, Neilia (Murphy) Solberg of Bigfork, MT, Mary and Jim Larson (niece and husband), Tom and Debbie Sullivan (nephew, neice and Molly Sullivan of Henderson, NV), grandchildren Danny Solberg (Dana Solberg, wife) and Gracie Solberg (Steve Knutson, husband), great-grandsons, Grant and Cruz.Other family members who held her near and dear include all the Sullivan, Murphy, Olson, Ranquet and Butler cousins, nieces and nephews and their families.Irene was a hero to many of us.She had a wry humor, a fun-loving nature, a quick wit and a generous regard for others.She grew up and graduated high school in Great Falls.She took courses at the College of Education.Irene was an excellent swimmer, which led her to work for the Recreation Department in the city of Great Falls.She developed courses for swimming instruction and had an unusual ability to teach anyone (almost!) how to swim.Breaking down kicks, arm strokes, and rhythmic breathing, Irene had a knack for helping even the most timid swimmer in the water.Through the years, Irene taught young swimmers and middle school students as well as adults.She established a womens swim group and had a tremendous following.Her work in the pool brought out her attention to detail, patience and grand ability to instill confidence.In later years, Irene worked for the MSDB School where she continued to make friends.The loves of her life would be her grandchildren, Dan and Gracie.But wait, theres more!She could recite full episodes of the Carol Burnett show from memory, impressed us all when she fell down on the floor at Osco Drug Store when shot by her grandson in a toy motorized vehicle, had many a phone call with favorite little girl, Gracie, sung countless songs from the 40s, and joined in weekly competitions of Trivial Pursuit with epic spirit.She liked to win!At the age of 50, she took up running-downhill.She loved cats, tacos, thin milkshakes and bright colors.She was a refuge and a safe spot for her best friends and looked forward to daily updates. We all hope she is at peace and smiling into the sun.Friends and family will gather at a later date to be announced.To celebrate her, make a contribution to Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St S, Great Falls, MT59405 to support the fine work and financial challenges of the operation.She would be pleased.